Theme E: Crime and Punishment Flashcards
What is the death penalty?
Capital punishment; the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state.
What do Christians believe about corporal punishment?
Hurting a criminal is wrong as it goes against the sanctity of life and agape love
What do Christians believe about prison as a punishment?
Prison, where a criminal is locked in a secure guarded building for a period of time, is appropriate for more crimes but should provide the criminal with the opportunity to reform
Why do Christians believe crimes should be punished?
This helps to achieve justice, but it should be balanced with forgiveness
What is the principle of utility?
Acting out of the greater good for the most people. (e.g. removing a dangerous criminal from society)
Why might Christians accept opposition to an unjust law as a cause of crime?
They believe in equality and social justice
Which crimes are banned by the Ten Commandments?
Murder, theft, stealing
What is a hate crime?
A crime committed because of prejudice views about a person or group
What are evil intentions?
Having the desire to deliberately cause suffering
What is deterrence?
An aim of punishment, the threat of punishment is a way of putting people off crime
What is an unjust law?
A legal requirement that is believed to be unfair; a cause of crime if a person believes they cannot follow it
What do most Christians believe about the death penalty?
It is wrong because the Bible teaches “do not kill”
What is the lex talionis?
The law of retaliation whereby a punishment should be proportionate to a crime
What do Christians believe about community service as a punishment?
Community service which involves the criminal doing a set number of hours of physical labour/work in their local community can be a good way of helping them to reform
What is retribution?
An aim of punishment, getting the criminal back
